By Adenike Lawal
As May 30 approaches, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged Ndigbo across Nigeria and beyond to mark Igbo Heroes Day with reflection and respect, not force or disruption.
In a statement released Thursday, the Deputy President General of a faction of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, called for voluntary, peaceful remembrance of those who died during the Biafran conflict.
He stressed the importance of avoiding any action that could disturb public life or provoke conflict, especially as students are currently writing their WAEC examinations.
“Let us honor our heroes without hurting our future,” Isiguzoro said. “This is not a time for enforced sit-at-home orders or civil unrest. Our children are in examination halls, our markets are open, and our churches must worship freely.”
Ohanaeze said the rebranding of Biafra Remembrance Day as Igbo Heroes Day was aimed at creating a more inclusive, dignified, and nonviolent tradition of remembrance.
The group encouraged Southeast governors and lawmakers to recognize May 30 officially, in the spirit of national unity as seen with June 12, now marked as Democracy Day.
The organization also warned pro-Biafra groups against turning the day into an excuse for confrontation with security forces or disruption of civil life.
“Let us show that the blood of our heroes waters the path to peace, not violence. Their dream was a free, educated, and prosperous people. We must not betray that vision,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze concluded by encouraging reflection, education, and civic responsibility as the best ways to preserve Igbo identity and honor the past without endangering the present.
